Final Delivery is the concluding technical stage where all approved master files—including the theatrical DCP, broadcast masters, home video versions, and all localized files—are formally transferred to the distributor. The delivery requirements are extremely strict, requiring specific frame rates, resolutions (e.g., 4K, 2K, HD), compression codecs, and loudness standards for each target platform (e.g., Netflix, cinema, Blu-ray). A robust quality control (QC) process must be passed by the production studio to verify that all assets meet the distributor’s technical specifications before acceptance.

Alongside the media files, comprehensive Metadata is delivered. Metadata includes crucial descriptive information about the film, such as synopsis, cast and crew lists, release dates, genre tags, and technical specs, which are necessary for streaming platforms and databases (like IMDB) to categorize and present the film to the public. Accurate metadata is essential for the discoverability and marketing of the final product.

Finally, the studio must conduct Archiving, securing all original project files, high-resolution source renders, final compositing projects, and layered audio mixes. This long-term archival process ensures that if future re-releases (e.g., an anniversary edition) require adjustments or new formats (e.g., 8K), the full, uncompressed source material is readily available. Archiving is the final administrative insurance policy against data loss and future proofing the valuable intellectual property.